Page 36 of Dark Souls

“Yeah. He’s like that. Split personality disorder. I come here quite often so I guess I’m used to it,” I lied, hearing a scoff come from behind the till. “Anyway, I should get back to the flat. I’ve got to pack for Sienna’s bachelorette tomorrow.”

“But you haven’t drunk your-”

I picked up my now lukewarm coffee and slurped it back in one go, as Ronnie frowned. Before I had a chance to stand, Ronnie’s hand reached across the table and grabbed my arm. The panic must have been clear in my expression, because I’d never seen him look so worried.

“Ilaria, what is going on with you? Is everything alright? You know you can talk to me.”

With a jerk, I freed my arm from Ronnie’s grip and forced myself to calm down. “I’m sorry. I’m fine, honestly. I’ve just not been sleeping well, and I’m exhausted.”

Ronnie lowered his tone, his eyes darting around the coffee shop quickly before he said, “Do you need to feed? You seem a little on edge. Just ask if that’s what you need. You know I don’t mind.”

My eyes darted over to Heathen. A deep scowl was etched into his disguised face, and he slowly shook his head, warning me. Anger suddenly rocketed through me like a volcano. How dare he try to dictate who I see or what I do? At that moment, I felt completely torn. I wanted to put Heathen in his place, show him I’d do whatever the fuck I wanted, including drink from Ronnie if that’s what I chose to do. But I also didn’t want to risk Ronnie’s life in the process. Heathen had promised me he’d never harm anyone I cared about, but could I really trust him? Were the history books right? Was he just a ruthless killer incapable of putting anyone else’s feelings before his urges?

I moved my gaze back to Ronnie, knowing I had to play this carefully. Not only was Ron growing more and more concerned by my odd behaviour, but Heathen was watching everything between us like a hawk.

I reached across the table and patted Ronnie’s hand with a forced smile on my face. “Thanks, Ron. You are such a good friend. I know you’d always put my needs before your own, which is why I really appreciate you in my life and your concern. But I’m fine. Honestly. I just realised I have so much to do before tomorrow and I need to get back. Walk back with me and you can catch a cab from the flat, yeah?”

The perplexed look on Ronnie’s face at my uncharacteristically affectionate words was nearly laughable, but I had to keep up the performance. Heathen needed to know that Ronnie was a line he could not cross. If he ever hurt him or anyone that mattered to me, this would all be over. He’d find himself up against the full force of the SIA and my family in a heartbeat. This was his chance to gain my trust and prove that the little voice inside my head that told me he wasn’t entirely evil was right.

Before Ronnie could answer, I was out of my seat and walking towards the exit. He scrambled to follow me and I didn’t dare look back at Heathen. Once we were outside, I fought the urge to glance over my shoulder and took off in a brisk walk, Ronnie matching it easily with his long legs. I was certain Heathen was following, but I doubted he would remain in the barista’s image.

“Well, look at the ice queen being all mushy. Just for the record, I appreciate you in my life too,” Ronnie teased, throwing his enormous arm around my shoulders and pulling me to his side. I quickly shoved him off me, masking it as playfulness, and hit his chest with a roll of my eyes.

“Did you hear the part where I friend-zoned you?” I teased, shooting him a sideways glance.

“Meh, eventually you’ll fall in love with me. I’m a patient man, princess. I’m in no rush.”

Shaking my head, I realised that our arrangement was going to have to end. Or at least, I was going to have to cool it with him until I’d figured all this Heathen drama out. I’d never forgive myself if someone I cared about got hurt because of my trust in a monster. But I couldn’t end things between us here. Not when I could feel Heathen’s onyx eyes watching my every move.

We reached the flat but I didn’t invite Ronnie up. Instead, we sat on the steps in the sunshine and chatted, keeping the topics light as we waited for his cab. He leaned an elbow back on the steps and turned my way. His expression was serious as I stared into his warm brown eyes.

“So, you’re good? You sure you don’t need to feed?” he whispered so the humans going about their day wouldn’t hear.

I smiled, shaking my head. “I’m good. I fed off the green list yesterday.”

He nodded once, inhaling deeply, and I felt the atmosphere shift around us again.Oh no. Where was that cab?

“Well, you know you can text me any time. I know I’ve been busy, but I’d drop anything for you. I’d rather you feed from me than anyone else, so don’t hesitate to just show up or call me, yeah?”

Catching sight of Harry Gould leaning against a building on the other side of the road, my heart flipped.

“I know. Thanks, Ron.”

“And Ilaria, I know I joke around a lot, but I really do like you. I know you’re not ready to take anything further, but just know that as soon as you say the word, I’m all in. I won’t mess you around. I wouldn’t do that. Regardless of what you might think, when I commit to one woman, I take that shit seriously.”

My head darted back and forth down the street, searching for his ride. I needed to get him away from me.

“Ilaria?”

“I… uh… don’t know what to say,” I answered, completely clueless how to handle such a sweet and vulnerable confession, especially with my stalker watching. All I was concerned about was Ronnie’s safety and he chose now to spill his heart out to me?

Ronnie chuckled, shaking his head as he stared across the street. “You don’t have to say anything. I just wanted you to know. I’ll go back to being the cocky asshole now.”

“Oh, thank god,” I sighed, which made him laugh harder. “Ronnie, maybe we should cool things a little. I’m just not—”

“No.” He shook his head frantically, sitting up straighter. “Shit. I knew I’d scare you off. I’m not confessing my undying love for you or anything, Ilaria. This isn’t that deep. I just wanted you to know that I liked you. If you wanted to see if there was anything more here, then I am game. But if this is all this is meant to be, that’s cool too.”

The cab finally pulled up next to us and we both stood up. He hesitated for a moment, unsure as to an appropriate way to say goodbye, so I moved back towards the building door in answer. He gave me a disappointed smile, saluted me and climbed into the back of the car. I exhaled a breath of relief as I watched it drive away, knowing he’d soon be on a plane back to New York, although that didn’t necessarily mean he was safe.

---